Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have signed free agent right-handed pitcherPhil Hughes to a three-year, $24 million contract.

Hughes, 27, made 30 appearances (29 starts) for the New York Yankees last season going 4-14 with a 5.19 ERA (145.2 IP, 84 ER), 121 strikeouts and 42 walks. The California native went 16-13 with a 4.19 ERA, 165 strikeouts and just 46 walks in a career-high 191.1 innings pitched in 2012.

The 6-foot-5, 240-pound right-hander was a 2010 All-Star as a member of the Yankees after beginning the season 11-2, the fourth most wins in the majors at the All-Star Break. Hughes was originally selected by the Yankees 23rd overall in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft out of Foothill (Calif.) High School.

He has a career record of 56-50 with a 4.53 ERA (780.2 IP, 393 ER), 656 strikeouts and 245 walks in 182 appearances (132 starts) spanning seven seasons; including an 18-win season in 2010.

The Minnesota Twins announced tonight that they have designated right-handed pitcherLiam Hendriks for release or assignment. Hendriks was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2007. The Australian native made 10 appearances (eight starts) going 1-3 with a 6.85 ERA (47.1 IP, 36 ER) last season with the Twins. Over parts of three major league seasons, Hendriks has a career record of 2-13 with a 6.06 ERA (156.0 IP, 105 ER) in 30 appearances (28 starts).

With the addition of right-handed pitcher Phil Hughes, the Twins roster is now at 40.